If you want a smooth, controlled tailgate that closes itself gently without slamming in tight spaces, choose ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock; if you need to eliminate squeaks and restore proper alignment on an older truck with worn hinges, choose RUXIFEY Tailgate Hinge Bushings. These two products solve completely different problems for truck owners, even though they both interact with the tailgate assembly. One is an active assist device designed to manage the weight of the gate during operation, while the other is a passive repair part intended to fix mechanical wear and tear in the hinge mechanism. You cannot swap them for one another because their fundamental purposes are distinct. The ARANA kit adds a new function to your truck's rear end, whereas the RUXIFEY set simply returns your existing hardware to its original condition.
• ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock: Its biggest strength is the soft-close damper technology that prevents the heavy tailgate from slamming shut, making it ideal for loading cargo in narrow driveways or garages. Its main trade-off is that it requires the removal of the factory bottle opener on the driver's side before installation. This pick is for Ford Maverick owners who want a modern convenience feature added to their 2022–2026 model.
• RUXIFEY Tailgate Hinge Bushings: Its primary advantage is restoring tightness and silence to loose, rattling tailgates on a wide range of older Dodge Ram and Ford trucks by replacing cracked plastic inserts. The limitation is that it only addresses noise and fitment issues rather than adding any new closing mechanism. This pick is for drivers of pre-2020 vehicles dealing with worn-out factory components.
The ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock is engineered specifically for the Ford Maverick, covering the XL, XLT, Lariat, Tremor, and Lobo trims from 2022 through 2026. Its core function relies on industrial-grade gas spring technology using high-strength 45# carbon steel. This design allows the heavy tailgate to drop slowly at a linear rate rather than falling freely. For anyone who has ever struggled to control a massive tailgate when backing into a garage or trying to unload groceries in a cramped alley, this product offers a tangible safety benefit. It eliminates the embarrassing noise of a sudden slam and reduces the risk of accidental injury from a gate hitting you or someone else.
This kit is designed to work exactly like the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts but with enhanced damping capabilities. The unit mounts directly using OEM bolts, meaning you do not need to drill into the frame or damage the paintwork. The physical dimensions of the unit are compact at 6.49 x 9.84 x 0.8 inches, ensuring it fits within the existing space constraints of the Maverick's tailgate structure. The black finish matches the vehicle's aesthetic, keeping the look clean and integrated. Installation is straightforward enough that most users can complete the process in about 10 minutes with the included tools, provided they follow the specific instruction to remove the tailgate bottle opener first.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-07 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
You should buy this product if you own a newer Ford Maverick and find the stock tailgate too heavy or prone to slamming. It is particularly valuable for those who frequently park in tight spaces where a loud bang could disturb neighbors or cause damage to nearby walls. However, you should skip this upgrade if your truck does not have a bottle opener installed on the tailgate, as the removal step is mandatory for the kit to fit. Additionally, if you drive a Dodge Ram or an older Ford F-Series, this specific damper will not be compatible with your vehicle's mounting points. It is a specialized solution for a specific generation of truck, not a universal fix.
The RUXIFEY Tailgate Hinge Bushings serve a fundamentally different role: they are a restoration kit for aging trucks. These bushings are designed to replace worn, cracked, or damaged original inserts in the tailgate hinge connection. When the factory plastic wears down over time, the metal hinge begins to rattle, creating a loud clanking sound every time the tailgate is opened or closed. This product aims to stop that noise and tighten up the play in the hinge system. The kit includes two bushings for the left and right sides, ensuring symmetrical support across the tailgate.
Constructed from automotive-grade thermoplastic, these inserts offer a durable construction with a smooth surface designed for regular use. They act as a buffer between the moving metal parts of the hinge, preventing metal-on-metal contact which causes both noise and premature wear. The design is a direct replacement, meaning you simply remove the old, degraded plastic and slide the new ones into the corresponding mounting locations. No modification to the factory mounting points is required, which keeps the installation process simple for DIY enthusiasts. The kit supports a vast array of vehicle models, including Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 from 1996-2002, various Ford Ranger and F-Series models from 1987-2019, and several Ford SUVs like the Explorer and Fusion.
This product is perfect for owners of older trucks who hear a constant rattle when driving over bumps or when shutting the tailgate. If your tailgate feels loose or wobbly, these bushings can help restore the proper fit and alignment. They are a practical solution for maintaining the structural integrity of the hinge without needing to replace the entire assembly. However, if your goal is to add a soft-closing feature or prevent the gate from slamming, these bushings will not provide that function. They only address the mechanical play and noise generated by the hinge itself. Furthermore, you must verify your specific part numbers and bushing shape before ordering, as the compatibility list spans many years and models.
• Best for preventing tailgate slams → ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock, as it actively dampens the motion of the gate.
• Best for eliminating hinge rattles → RUXIFEY Tailgate Hinge Bushings, which tighten the connection between metal parts.
• Best for tight parking spaces → ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock, because the slow close prevents the gate from swinging wildly in confined areas.
• Best for restoring old trucks → RUXIFEY Tailgate Hinge Bushings, since they are designed for vehicles with significant wear and tear.
• Easiest installation for beginners → Both are straightforward, but ARANA takes roughly 10 minutes while RUXIFEY depends on the ease of removing old inserts.
• Broadest vehicle coverage → RUXIFEY Tailgate Hinge Bushings, compatible with decades of Dodge and Ford models versus the single-year-range ARANA kit.
• No drilling required → Both products claim no drilling, but ARANA requires removing a bottle opener, whereas RUXIFEY requires checking part numbers.
• Durability focus → RUXIFEY focuses on long-term hinge health with thermoplastic materials, while ARANA focuses on the longevity of the gas spring damper.
I would recommend the ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock for my own truck if I owned a Ford Maverick, primarily because the ability to lower the tailgate gently makes a massive difference when working in tight spaces. There is nothing more frustrating than wrestling with a heavy gate that refuses to stay put or slams shut unexpectedly. The ARANA kit transforms a potentially dangerous or annoying task into a smooth, controlled action. On the other hand, if I drove a vintage Ford F-150 or a Dodge Ram, I would reach for the RUXIFEY bushings to silence that annoying clatter. The choice ultimately comes down to whether you need a new feature or a repair. For modern convenience and safety in tight quarters, the ARANA shock is the superior choice.
No, the ARANA Tailgate Assist Shock is strictly designed for the Ford Maverick models from 2022 to 2026. It will not fit older trucks like the 2018 F-150 due to different mounting geometry and hinge designs.
The RUXIFEY kit includes the two replacement bushings themselves but relies on your existing vehicle hardware. You will need to remove the old inserts and seat the new ones into the original factory mounting positions without requiring additional bolts or brackets.
Yes, the ARANA kit is designed for a 10-minute installation using the included tools, but you must first remove the factory tailgate bottle opener on the driver's side using your own tools to make room for the new unit.
Ignoring worn bushings leads to increased metal-on-metal friction, causing louder noises, accelerated wear on the hinge pins, and a looser, wobblier tailgate that may not seal properly against the truck bed.
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